Indian man rolls into Bessemer with sights set on world bicycling record

Avijit Chakraborty, 50, set out in December 2009 from India on a quest to break the world record for the longest bike ride. (The Birmingham News / Linda Stelter)

BESSEMER, Alabama -- Avijit Chakraborty in the last 19 months has ridden his bicycle more than 31,000 miles through nearly 30 countries in five continents in an effort to break the Guinness world record for the longest bike trip around the world.

On his way to Georgia this week, the 50-year-old stopped for three days of rest in Bessemer, where he stayed in the Sikh Temple on Morgan Road.

He started his journey in India in December 2009, hoping to break a world record set in 1974 by Canadian John Hathaway, who traveled more than 31,068 miles through 45 countries in 23 months on his bike.

This is Chakraborty's second attempt at breaking the record. In 1999, he rode his bike more than 37,000 miles through 54 countries in 27 months. That journey was a grueling exercise but took too long to qualify for the record. Chakraborty said he learned from it and this time has traveled faster.

According to his calculations, Chakraborty has already broken the record, having ridden his bike roughly 31,441 miles in 19 months through 29 countries on five continents. But he said he will continue on his journey today. From Bessemer, Chakraborty will travel to Georgia, then to Florida, where he will board a plane for South America.

Officials for Guinness World Records confirmed Thursday that Chakraborty has submitted a claim for a world record and will have to submit proof that the organization can verify.

The husband and father of one daughter said he took on the challenge of breaking the world record again to bring awareness to the effects of global warming and pollution on the environment. When he can find time, he speaks to school and community groups.

Chakraborty travels -- sometimes with a police escort -- along local roads and streets and is not allowed to travel the interstates. He said he travels 10-12 mph and rides about three hours each day.

The Guinness organization set his travel route, he said. He checks in at a police station every 15 to 20 miles to have his bike odometer reading recorded, he said. He also contacts media outlets so he can use press clippings as proof of his travels.

During his rest breaks, Chakraborty, who is making no money from this venture, said he usually sleeps in a house of worship, hostel or private home.

"Everywhere I have gone, people have been so hospitable," Chakraborty said Thursday.

In Bessemer, Chakraborty reached out to Amrit Singh, the priest at the Sikh Temple.

"I told him everybody is welcome here," Singh said.

The temple's secretary, Deler Singh, said he is proud of Chakraborty's journey. "He is doing a good thing for his country and for the world."

Chakraborty said he expects to finish his trip around Oct. 1. He has about 2,000 miles left to travel but said he thinks only about each segment of 80-90 miles at a time. At the end of his journey, Chakraborty said he is looking forward to seeing his family in India.